AUGUSTA, Maine - Peak foliage color has reached Rangeley, Farmington, Bethel, and the downeast coast, according to the fifth 2011 fall foliage report from the Maine Department of Conservation (MDOC).

Maine fall foliage conditions for Oct. 12. Credit: Maine Department of Conservation.Currently, Maine Forest Service and state park rangers are observing peak leaf color, or at least 75 percent color change, in the western lakes and mountains region, covering the towns of Rangeley, Kingfield, Farmington, Rumford and Bethel. Peak color is also being reported along the downeast coast from Bucksport to Eastport and in interior Hancock and Washington counties.

A stretch of hot and dry weather in July and the recent tropical storm won't have a noticeable impact on foliage viewing in Maine, according to the first 2011 fall foliage report from the Maine Department of Conservation (MDOC).

Maine fall foliage conditions as of Sept. 14.

"Overall, the foliage looks to be in better than average condition," said Bill Ostrofsky, a forest pathologist at the Maine Forest Service. "I fully expect the Maine fall foliage season will be delivered right on time as another bright and beautiful show."

Currently, Maine Forest Service rangers in each of the state's seven tracking zones are observing very low leaf color, or less than 10 percent toward peak, along with very low leaf drop.

The cars and stars of NASCAR race their way back to New England for the SYLVANIA 300 and the second race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup on Sunday, September 25. As part of NASCAR’s 10-race playoffs, this 300-lap event is sure to be pivotal in deciding the series champion.